Former New Haven Police Chief Arrested for Stealing $85K

Karl Jacobson allegedly misappropriated funds from confidential informant and youth sports programs

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson was arrested on Friday for allegedly stealing $85,500 from two city funds - one meant for paying confidential informants and the other for a youth sports league. Jacobson was charged with two counts of larceny in the first degree by defrauding a public community. The investigation revealed that $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the police department's Narcotic Enforcement Program Fund, which is used to pay informants, and that two checks totaling $4,000 were embezzled from the Police Activity League Fund.

Why it matters

The arrest of a former police chief for allegedly stealing public funds, including money intended for confidential informants and youth programs, raises serious concerns about public trust in law enforcement and the criminal justice system. It highlights the need for stronger financial controls and oversight within police departments.

The details

According to the state's attorney's office, the investigation found that Jacobson stole $81,500 from the police department's Narcotic Enforcement Program Fund, which is used to pay confidential informants who assist in narcotics investigations. Jacobson also allegedly embezzled two checks totaling $4,000 from the New Haven Police Activity League Fund. No other police department members were found to be involved in the misuse of these funds.

  • On January 5, 2026, Jacobson abruptly retired after being confronted by the city's three assistant chiefs about stealing $10,000 from the confidential informant fund.
  • Between January 1, 2024, and January 5, 2026, the $81,500 was unaccounted for or misappropriated from the Narcotic Enforcement Program Fund.
  • On December 23 and 24, 2025, the two checks totaling $4,000 were embezzled from the Police Activity League Fund.

The players

Karl Jacobson

The former police chief of New Haven, Connecticut, who was arrested for allegedly stealing $85,500 from two city funds.

Gregory Cerritelli

The attorney who accompanied Jacobson when he turned himself in to state police.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven who announced that the police department has adopted a new confidential informant policy with more safeguards.

David Zannelli

The acting police chief of New Haven who served as an assistant chief responsible for managing the confidential informant fund before Jacobson's resignation.

Christian Watson

The New Britain State's Attorney who oversaw the investigation alongside state police.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I will remind everyone that an arrest is not evidence of guilt and allegations are not proof. This is the beginning of a very long process. I urge everyone to keep an open mind and avoid a rush to judgment.”

— Gregory Cerritelli, Attorney (ctmirror.org)

“An allegation of embezzlement by a police official is a serious matter and potentially undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system.”

— Patrick Griffin, Chief State's Attorney (ctmirror.org)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Karl Jacobson out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight within police departments to prevent the misuse of public funds, including money intended for critical law enforcement purposes like paying confidential informants. It also underscores the need to maintain public trust in the criminal justice system.